Did Sony just confirm cross-network gaming with Microsoft? The future of online multiplayer gaming could be about to change forever. Take a deep breath.

On Monday, Microsoft announced that they had opened the door to cross-network gameplay between Xbox One and PS4. It was the news that shook the gaming world — an initiative to allow cross-network gaming with other networks — specifically the Playstation Network.

Microsoft sent out an “open invitation” to the other networks in an effort to allow for an online collaboration, a move that would allow for total online gaming cohesion within the online community. The move would put an end to over a decade of online console segregation.

What Did They Say?

Sony has responded to Microsoft’s “open invitation,” stating that they are “open-minded” to an online collaboration.

PlayStation has been supporting cross-platform play between PC on several software titles starting with Final Fantasy 11 on PS2 and PC back in 2002.

We would be happy to have the conversation with any publishers or developers who are interested in cross platform play. - PlayStation Spokesman

Sony’s response is, as expected, as equally cautious as it is promising. The tech giant has responded to its rival’s news but has stopped short of giving away any real details.

At this stage, with Sony dominating global sales, this will not be something that will take top priority — it has no real need to form an online partnership at this stage. Although looking at the responses we got from our readers, this online collaboration is certainly something in which the players from both networks are interested.

Microsoft will also be looking to link up with STEAM to bring the huge PC gaming community onboard. As reported yesterday, this incredible concept will use Psyonix's Rocket League as the first game to support this new function. Rocket League already supports a PC-PS4 crossover, but no XBOX One gateway was ever built — until now.

Microsoft has also indicated that — in terms of programming — their console is pretty much already set for cross-network play.

This means players on Xbox One and Windows 10 using Xbox Live will be able to play with players on different online multiplayer networks--including other consoles and PC networks.

This new agreement could bring about a new era of online gaming where people from all over the world can come together in one place regardless of console. Many a score is waiting to be settled.

The future now lies with Sony. Personally, I think that it is highly likely that this partnership will go ahead. Sony must, of course, take time to weigh up pros and cons — it is a business after all.

We got a great response before — are you ready for cross-network gameplay?